Sri Lanka boasts of two international airports, the well-known Colombo airport and the lesser-known Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI). Despite the lack of information about HRI, some travellers prefer to book tickets to this airport as they are often cheaper. We decided to explore this place ourselves to uncover its hidden gems.
Location of Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport
The Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport is situated at the southern tip of the island, approximately 30 km from Hambantota. The distance from Colombo airport to Hikkaduwa is 120 km, whereas the distance from Mattala to Hikkaduwa is 185 km. It is located in the midst of savannah, although locals refer to it as the jungle. The airport's location is unusual and wild, with even a sign warning travellers of wild elephants in the area. In addition to elephants, peacocks, buffalo, egrets, and other savannah creatures can be seen, and we were lucky enough to spot a leopard on our visit (airport staff confirmed that it was indeed a leopard)! Of course, leopards do not frequent the airport, but they can be seen from a distance or on the road.
Getting to and from Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport
Travellers who want to visit Tangalle, Arugam Bay, or Mirissa find Mattala airport to be a convenient landing point. For those who want to save money on flights and are comfortable with public transport, the airport's location is perfect. However, the area around the airport is relatively untouched by civilization, and finding accommodation may be challenging. The nearest town, Hambantota, is approximately 17 km away, and travellers may find limited accommodation options. Taxi or shuttle services to the airport are not common, so it is necessary to pre-book a transfer if you want to leave in comfort. Our partners offer transfers from Mattala airport to Hikkaduwa for $110, and you can book a transfer with us via email or phone. Alternatively, you can use the services of KiviTaksi.
The airport is served by a single bus that runs from the airport to Hambantota from 8 am to 5 pm, with a two-hour interval. From Hambantota, travellers can take buses to various resort towns or to Matara, where they can catch a train.
Description of Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport
The airport building itself is not ostentatious, but it has been carefully renovated. The interior is fresh, and due to the minimal operating area, it seems to have been well-preserved since its construction in 2013. Although flights are infrequent, the airport has a significant number of personnel. There is a bank, but it appears to operate only during arrivals. ATMs are available around the clock at the exit. There is even a restaurant, although it is not always open. The waiting room has chairs, a wall outlet to charge phones, and free Wi-Fi.
If you have time to spare before your flight, you can explore the airport's duty-free shops. There's a limited selection of goods, but you can find some souvenirs, alcohol, and cigarettes. In addition, there's a small coffee shop where you can grab a drink and a snack. Keep in mind that the shops and coffee shop might not always be open, so it's best to have some snacks and drinks with you just in case.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Apart from its exotic location and stunning views, Mattala airport offers low-priced flights and excellent service from airport staff. The empty and scenic drive from the airport to the city and highway is also a major advantage. During one of our visits, my father travelled alone on a flight that stopped in Colombo before flying to Mattala. Since the plane was empty, my father even got to sit in business class. The entire airport staff met him, bowed and smiled, making him feel like a VIP.
Overall, the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport has its advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, it offers a unique and exotic experience for travelers who want to explore a less well-known part of Sri Lanka. The airport is surrounded by breathtaking scenery and wildlife, and the drive to the city is scenic and empty.
On the other hand, the airport lacks any significant infrastructure, and there are few options for accommodation and transportation. However, given the airport's potential and the ongoing development of Hambantota's port, it's likely that the airport will see more flights and improvements in the future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport is a lesser-known but fascinating airport in Sri Lanka. It's located in the middle of the savannah and offers stunning views of wildlife and nature. While it might not be the most convenient option for travelers, it's certainly a unique and memorable experience.
